Essay wins classroom makeover

Shaheed Meyers won an essay contest to help brighten up his classroom

Shaheed Meyers, an eighth-grade student at Long Branch Middle School, took third place in a national essay competition titled "Expo Classroom Makeover."

In his essay, he explained why his teacher, Candice Bidner, seventh-grade teacher at the middle school, deserved a classroom makeover.

Shaheed's essay beat out more than 11,500 entries nationwide. It was selected to become one of the semifinalists in the Expo Classroom Makeover program.

The contest invited students in grades three through 12 nationwide to write a short essay describing why their teacher deserved a classroom makeover.

Shaheed won $500 from Newell Rubbermaid, and in addition to his check, won prizes for his teacher.

Shaheed wrote about how much fun he had in Miss Bidner's class last year. His essay explained that his teacher needed a colorful room to match her personality.

Shaheed and his mother, Carolee Logan-Stephenson, were presented with his award in a ceremony held at the school on Feb. 6